Plot Synopsis for Chapter 24 ofColors of the Mountain
At the beginning of the chapter, Da, Jin, and the town of Yellow Stone are anxiously awaiting the college exams. As the exams draw closer, Peking Man gives his famous predictions of history questions on the test, sending Da into his final, intense study sessions. Finally, the day comes and Da’s sister, Huang, takes him and Jin to Putien. Even though he is excited to take the tests, he feels sadness leaving his family and fears not succeeding for them. Da finds during test taking that both college and the exams are what make him equal to everyone else. He has the same chance to excel or fail as every other applicant. As soon as Da touches the pencil to his paper he feels as though he can “breeze” through the subjects with ease and confidence. When Da returns home, he tells his family of his thoughts on how he did and keeps optimistic. Soon, rumors arise that test scores have been turned in putting Da and his brother on the edge of their seats. One night, after Da’s father’s negotiation with many patients and friends, a messenger arrives telling the Chen family of both of their sons qualifying scores. Overjoyed by the accomplishment, Da’s mother and father burst into tears because of the greatest obstacle just overcome.
Key Quotes fromColors of the Mountain
“Right before I stepped into the street, I turned and ran upstairs to my window. I knelt down and begged my grandfather to come with me to Putien and watch over me as I wrote the answers. He had loved me so deeply and expected so much of me. … I told him that I would do honor to his name and that all his sufferings at the end of his life were not in vain because they had given me strength and would be the basis of all my success. Tears filled my eyes as I called on his spirit again.” (281)
“But I stood there, bare feet and all, sure of what I knew. Nobody said I couldn’t take the test because I wore shabby clothes and had no shoes. Before the test, all were equal.” (282)
“There were no joyful shouts nor happy dances, only tears. It was a moment of triumph and happiness for the whole Chen family.” (291)
Language Style: metaphors and similes
Throughout this chapter, Da Chen uses many important similes and metaphors describing his college testing and studying experiences.
“When I walked out of the test room for the last time, my burden dropped to the ground. I was free.” (284)
In this quote, Da seems to be free from much more than just the testing exams and intense study sessions. He is freed from oppression and lack of opportunity. He has broken away from the things tying him back.
“That night the moon was so big and round, hanging only a few feet above the treetops, that I felt as if I could reach out and touch it. The gentle moonlight filled me with hope and warmth. With a thankful heart, I went to sleep smiling.” (285)
The moon could possibly represent Da’s goals and dreams that he feels he can finally achieve. These successes fill him with joy and keep him with a positive outlook on situations.
“Their love for me was genuine, and their hope for me was as high as the clouds hanging in the blue sky.” (290)
Da’s family is willing to go beyond the limit with their support and love to help him overcome stereotypes and reach his goals. They love Da no matter what, not only because he is applying for college.
Narrator Point of View
Within this chapter, Da tells his feelings about college and how his family’s love is affecting his attitude towards life and possible college entrance. In addition, Da conveys his outlook on the exam questions. The reader feels a sense of suspense and hopes for his success, allowing connection and comprehension of the character. Finally, the emotions when Da and his brother, Jin, qualify for college are overwhelming. Da and Jin have started a new chapter in their lives.
Some important themes and issues in this chapter:
• Poverty, because of the description of Yellowstone’s generator and new power system.hard work
• Hard work and courage, because of Da’s perseverance in studying and taking his various exams.
• Personal achievement, because Da finally gets what he wants.
• Friendship, because Dia and Peking Man both help and encourage Da to do well.
Some symbols in the chapter:
When Siang tells Da, “Someone broke into the office at night and put the money back. Not a cent missing and there was no word.” (286). This shows how things are being put back into place for Da in his life, because he is doing much better in school, and his friends are all finally out of trouble with the law.
The general mood of this chapter:
This chapter seemed hopeful. Everything that Da mentions and describes over the course of the chapter is shown in brighter light, and he seems generally more optimistic. Many good things happen, and there is very little to be sad about.
""A picture relating to the chapter:**
This represents how Da makes peace with himself, and how his friends make peace with the law, but it is in black and white because Da still feels some sadness for leaving his family, even if it is only to take an exam.
At the beginning of the chapter, Da, Jin, and the town of Yellow Stone are anxiously awaiting the college exams. As the exams draw closer, Peking Man gives his famous predictions of history questions on the test, sending Da into his final, intense study sessions. Finally, the day comes and Da’s sister, Huang, takes him and Jin to Putien. Even though he is excited to take the tests, he feels sadness leaving his family and fears not succeeding for them. Da finds during test taking that both college and the exams are what make him equal to everyone else. He has the same chance to excel or fail as every other applicant. As soon as Da touches the pencil to his paper he feels as though he can “breeze” through the subjects with ease and confidence. When Da returns home, he tells his family of his thoughts on how he did and keeps optimistic. Soon, rumors arise that test scores have been turned in putting Da and his brother on the edge of their seats. One night, after Da’s father’s negotiation with many patients and friends, a messenger arrives telling the Chen family of both of their sons qualifying scores. Overjoyed by the accomplishment, Da’s mother and father burst into tears because of the greatest obstacle just overcome.
Key Quotes from Colors of the Mountain
“Right before I stepped into the street, I turned and ran upstairs to my window. I knelt down and begged my grandfather to come with me to Putien and watch over me as I wrote the answers. He had loved me so deeply and expected so much of me. … I told him that I would do honor to his name and that all his sufferings at the end of his life were not in vain because they had given me strength and would be the basis of all my success. Tears filled my eyes as I called on his spirit again.” (281)
“But I stood there, bare feet and all, sure of what I knew. Nobody said I couldn’t take the test because I wore shabby clothes and had no shoes. Before the test, all were equal.” (282)
“There were no joyful shouts nor happy dances, only tears. It was a moment of triumph and happiness for the whole Chen family.” (291)
Language Style: metaphors and similes
Throughout this chapter, Da Chen uses many important similes and metaphors describing his college testing and studying experiences.
“When I walked out of the test room for the last time, my burden dropped to the ground. I was free.” (284)
In this quote, Da seems to be free from much more than just the testing exams and intense study sessions. He is freed from oppression and lack of opportunity. He has broken away from the things tying him back.
“That night the moon was so big and round, hanging only a few feet above the treetops, that I felt as if I could reach out and touch it. The gentle moonlight filled me with hope and warmth. With a thankful heart, I went to sleep smiling.” (285)
The moon could possibly represent Da’s goals and dreams that he feels he can finally achieve. These successes fill him with joy and keep him with a positive outlook on situations.
“Their love for me was genuine, and their hope for me was as high as the clouds hanging in the blue sky.” (290)
Da’s family is willing to go beyond the limit with their support and love to help him overcome stereotypes and reach his goals. They love Da no matter what, not only because he is applying for college.
Narrator Point of View
Within this chapter, Da tells his feelings about college and how his family’s love is affecting his attitude towards life and possible college entrance. In addition, Da conveys his outlook on the exam questions. The reader feels a sense of suspense and hopes for his success, allowing connection and comprehension of the character. Finally, the emotions when Da and his brother, Jin, qualify for college are overwhelming. Da and Jin have started a new chapter in their lives.
Some important themes and issues in this chapter:
• Poverty, because of the description of Yellowstone’s generator and new power system.hard work
• Hard work and courage, because of Da’s perseverance in studying and taking his various exams.
• Personal achievement, because Da finally gets what he wants.
• Friendship, because Dia and Peking Man both help and encourage Da to do well.
Some symbols in the chapter:
When Siang tells Da, “Someone broke into the office at night and put the money back. Not a cent missing and there was no word.” (286). This shows how things are being put back into place for Da in his life, because he is doing much better in school, and his friends are all finally out of trouble with the law.
The general mood of this chapter:
This chapter seemed hopeful. Everything that Da mentions and describes over the course of the chapter is shown in brighter light, and he seems generally more optimistic. Many good things happen, and there is very little to be sad about.
""A picture relating to the chapter:**
This represents how Da makes peace with himself, and how his friends make peace with the law, but it is in black and white because Da still feels some sadness for leaving his family, even if it is only to take an exam.